"I chose to transfer to Lake Superior State University because of the personal attention I would receive. I did not want to attend a large university where I would be a number lost in the masses. The well-rounded curriculum allowed me to obtain my position at John Deere. Having a good balance of theory and hands-on knowledge is critical for my position and Lake State gave me a good foundation in these skills."

School of Engineering

Senior Projects 2010-2011

Team ISS

Innovative Solar Solutions

Members:

Ken Casperson

Chris Fill

Mike Gearing

Ray Greensky

Kevin Lidbeck

Faculty Advisor:

Dr. Paul Weber

Company:

3M

Industrial Contact:

Mr. Tim Hebrink

Project Description: Robotics System Integration

Team ISS designed, constructed, and tested a new prototype Concentrated Photovoltaic (CPV) array, based on a patent held by 3M, and developed by their Corporate Research Process Lab. The prototype uses stationary PV panels and articulated mirror panels to achieve an increased concentration of sunlight upon the PV panels. This enables the system to generate nearly equivalent power to conventional photovoltaic arrays while using fewer actual PV panels, commonly the most expensive part of any solar array. The team’s solar power conversion solution is potentially more cost-efficient than currently available technology, and demonstrates the successful application of the new 3M brand Cool Mirror Film to prove its usefulness to potential customers.

Design Competition
Senior project Team Rock Rover Design & Development qualified to advance to the international student design competition on November 18, 2009.

ASME Student Design Expositions provide a platform for all engineering students to showcase their innovative design and build projects to a broad audience. Bringing practicing engineers, faculty and students into one venue, this program also provides educational and professional development opportunities for exhibitors as well as spectators. For students, it is an opportunity to demonstrate their products or present their design concepts to potential employers and even investors. For industry leaders, the Expos are like career fairs in reverse; an opportunity to observe the landscape of student design, get to know extraordinary engineering students in the region and see first-hand the innovative ideas and skills students can bring to their companies.